WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to the state of Iowa to assist the Cedar Valley region in expanding its economic development efforts in the wake of long-term downsizing at Deere & Co. The funding will be used to develop strategies that incorporate the region’s assets and create economic advantages that attract employers and competitive employment opportunities for workers.

“Local leaders in the Cedar Valley region will use this $250,000 grant to work together on plans for preparing the area’s workforce for 21st century jobs,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Douglas F. Small. 

The grant, awarded to Iowa’s Office of Workforce Development, will support efforts to re-examine the Cedar Valley region’s economic development approach and break down political boundaries among local leaders.  Activities to be conducted include asset mapping studies, the establishment of new economic and talent development strategies, and strengthening educational efforts in science, technology, engineering and math.

In the mid 1980s, Deere & Co. employed approximately 16,000 workers in the Cedar Valley region.  Over time, the company has cut its local workforce to approximately 8,000 jobs.

The Cedar Valley region includes the northeast Iowa counties of Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Grundy and Chickasaw.

Regional Innovation Grants are drawn from National Emergency Grant funds to assist state workforce agencies and local workforce investment boards, as well as their key partners, in the design and development of comprehensive and strategic regional plans focused on talent development that is aligned with the demands of the 21st century economy.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.